What was reported about the reaction in William's kingdoms after his death?

• A. Panic spread as people feared losing what they had received under his reign.
• B. Widespread celebration of newfound freedom.
• C. Immediate economic collapse and famine.
• D. Universal mourning followed by a peaceful transition.

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how people respond when a powerful ruler dies and the governance structure they rely on faces potential change. In William’s kingdoms, the system was built on the king’s authority to award lands, privileges, and protections. When he died, those who depended on or benefited from his decisions faced real uncertainty about whether their grants would be honored or altered by a new ruler. That kind of transition naturally sparks anxiety and fear about losing what had been secured under his reign, which is why reports describe panic rather than celebration or catastrophe.

So, the best fit is that people feared losing the gains and protections they had received, rather than celebrating freedom, facing immediate famine, or mourning in a way that presupposes a smooth, peaceful handover.